Charter residents enjoy extra warmth

Residents at the Longbridge Court, Risca are enjoying an extra warm start to the year and the promise of greatly reduced heating bills, following the completion of extensive insulation works to their homes.

Happy resident Carol Williams said “Having insulation has made a real difference to my home, especially in the mornings and particularly during the present cold snap! My flat has also been beautifully repainted and new shelving put up as part of the additional works done to the properties, and I now feel very proud to call my lovely flat my home!’

Built over 100 years ago and initially used as a head quarters for Blaina and Industrial Provident Society, the building had been constructed using solid walls and high ceilings. Charter purchased the building in 1981 and converted the property into 14 flats which, over time, had become both expensive and difficult to heat for the residents.

Paul Helyar, Charter Director of Asset Management said, ‘Working in partnership with Paul O’Brien of Solar Installations, we are delighted to have improved the energy efficiency of these properties and the quality of life for our tenants at Longbridge Court.’

Faced with potentially high costs to remedy the heating problem, coupled with the fact that the slate roof was in need of replacement, Charter successfully applied for £60,000 worth of funding from the Government’s Eco pilot scheme to undertake the energy efficiency works. After four months of extensive works which included insulation of the outside walls and construction of a false wall, enabling insulation of the front of the building, all whilst retaining the existing appearance of Longbridge Court, the works are now complete and the residents are delighted to have a warm and far cheaper home to run.